Press Release 15th October 2014 Montblanc “The Spirit of Meisterstück” Exhibition at ifc mall A Showcase of Best of European Craftsmanship Traditional craftsmanship and flawless manufacturing techniques handed down from generation to generation is brought to live at the “The Spirit of Meisterstück” Exhibition hosted by Montblanc from the 15th to 19th October 2014 at ifc mall. Complementing the theme “Celebrating 90 years of The Spirit of Meisterstück”, the exhibition offers a rare glimpse on the meticulous attention to detail and the exquisite European craftsmanship involved in the production of the maison’s most iconic Meisterstück collection consisting of writing instruments, timepieces and leather goods. Craftsmen from the writing instruments manufacture in Germany, the watchmaking manufacture in Switzerland and the leather goods manufacture in Italy has flown in all the way from Europe to share their skills with the enthusiasts by conducting live demonstrations at the exhibition. On top of all the exciting happenings, the appealing Extreme cross-category collection will also be a highlight of product display in the exhibition. Montblanc cordially invites guests and enthusiasts to experience 90 years of the finest European craftsmanship at “The Spirit of Meisterstück” Exhibition. Radiating modern elegance, the exhibition is divided into three sessions: the writing instruments session, the watchmaking session and the leather goods session. While a history wall stands to narrate the milestones that add up to build the success story of Montblanc, visitors are also invited to indulge themselves in an exclusive selection of archival limited-edition writing instruments, unique leather goods and meticulously crafted timepieces amongst its iconic Meistertück collection. At the same time, the Extreme collection, in which tradition craftsmanship joins hands with eye-opening innovation to interpret masculinity and durability in a classy approach, will be presented in an appealing collection of leather products, writing instruments and watches. 1 _________________________________________________________________________________ Montblanc “The Spirit of Meisterstück” Craftsmanship Exhibition at ifc mall The best of European craftsmanship An artisan specializing in writing instruments, a watchmaker and a leather goods craftsman have flown in all the way from Hamburg, Switzerland and Florence respectively to demonstrate the heart and soul of European craftsmanship that Montblanc has embodied for more than a century, and guide the visitors along a unique product experience. 2 _________________________________________________________________________________ Montblanc “The Spirit of Meisterstück” Craftsmanship Exhibition at ifc mall Extreme leather collection: a perfect blend of style and functionality Congregating centuries of experience, leather craft in Italy represents the very best in the country’s craftsmanship. At the Montblanc Pelletteria leather workshop located at the outskirts of Florence, only the finest skins are chosen to be transformed into the finest quality leather pieces, with the remarkable craftsmanship skills and know-how of the craftsmen, combining timeless designs and technological innovation. The Montblanc Extreme leather collection is the epitome of such craftsmanship. Pushing durability and performance to pinnacle, the Montblanc Extreme leather collection masterfully blends leather manufacturing processes in use since 1926 when Montblanc opened up its first leather workshop in Germany, and new techniques pioneered by the luxury maison. Every piece is endowed with additional protection against the element of water and delivers heat repellence and abrasion resistance. From the black calfskin leather displaying a subtle woven carbon structure in a mat and shiny lustre to the sleek deep black metal fittings made of light weighted black anodized aluminium. An unmistakable seal of quality and excellence in craftsmanship, the collection is rounded off with the classic Montblanc emblem featured in the centre of a contemporary black ring. To guarantee durability and high performance, which are the fundamental attributes of Extreme, each leather product has to go through a series of tests including light fastness, tear strength, heat, wear and abrasion testing. Montblanc Extreme Clutch Bag with Zip Identity No.: 111140 Price: HK$3,870 Montblanc Extreme Rucksack Identity No.: 111137 Price: HK$6,300 Montblanc Extreme Passport Holder Identity No.: 111142 Price: HK$1,360 Montblanc Extreme Tablet Computer Case (Samsung & Apple Compatible) Identity No.: 111149 Price: HK$2,370 3 _________________________________________________________________________________ Montblanc “The Spirit of Meisterstück” Craftsmanship Exhibition at ifc mall Montblanc Extreme Tote Bag (Samsung & Apple Compatible) Identity No.: 111628 Price: HK$6,300 Montblanc Extreme Smartphone Case (Samsung Galaxy 4) Identity No.: 111150 Price: HK$1,500 Extreme writing instruments: celebrating the heritage of handwriting Legend of Montblanc takes root in its famous writing instruments. To cater the young and dynamic lifestyle of the cosmopolitans, the Montblanc StarWalker Extreme collection capitalizes on strong StarWalker writing instruments and Westside leather. The masculine and strong design makes a proactive statement of self-confidence. Aiming to cater to the new writing trends, the nib is made of a sensitive silicon disc that enables users to write, draw and sketch ideas and inspirations on touch screens, facilitated by the capacitive stylus technology covering all major devices, while at the same time offers pen-like precision. The ScreenWriter function can be exchanged with fineliner and rollerball refill. The StarWalker Extreme collection is now available in steel or resin. StarWalker Extreme Steel Fountain Pen Identity No.: 111037 Price: HK$9,500 StarWalker Extreme Steel Screenwriter Identity No.: 111040 Price: HK$8,200 StarWalker Extreme Steel Fountain Pen Identity No.: 111287 Price: HK$5,000 StarWalker Extreme Steel Ballpoint Pen Identity No.: 111039 Price: HK$6,700 StarWalker Extreme Steel ScreenWriter Identity No.: 111290 Price: HK$4,600 StarWalker Extreme Fineliner Identity No.: 111288 Price: HK$4,100 StarWalker Extreme Rollerball Identity No.: 111514 Price: HK$4,100 StarWalker Extreme Ballpoint Pen Identity No.: 111289 Price: HK$3,480 4 _________________________________________________________________________________ Montblanc “The Spirit of Meisterstück” Craftsmanship Exhibition at ifc mall A new realm of writing instrument: Bespoke Nib Service Handwriting, like fingerprint, is unique and personal. As a pioneer in the industry, Montblanc is the first manufacturer to successfully identify personal characteristics of an individual’s handwriting and to use this valuable data to create a customized nib. Visitors are welcome to find out more about the Bespoke Nib Service at the exhibition, test their handwriting and explore the best nib that will best fit their personal handwriting. The Bespoke Nib Service invites visitors to create their own personal handwriting experience Presentation of different types of nib 5 _________________________________________________________________________________ Montblanc “The Spirit of Meisterstück” Craftsmanship Exhibition at ifc mall TimeWalker Extreme Chronograph DLC Inheriting the traditional craftsmanship of Swiss Haute Horlogerie, and with an endless pursuit of innovative designs and perfecting skills and techniques, Montblanc, the pioneer of Swiss Haute Horlogerie, has never ceased to excel in the execution of innovative technologies and materials. The TimeWalker Collection launched in 2004, combining masculine technology with sporty elegance, has made the TimeWalker line one of Montblanc’s most successful watch collections. The TimeWalker Extreme Chronograph DLC offers the “diamond-like carbon” material treatment on the 43mm case and ensures that the toughness of the stainless steel case is brought to the utmost. Identity No. : 111197 Price: HK$48,300 The middle stratum, which covers the centre and the periphery of the dial, is embellished with a fine embossed pattern of circular striations. The periphery bears the seconds scale for the chronograph’s slender elapsed-seconds hand and is subdivided into readily legible quarter-of-a-second increments to match the 4 Hz pace of the movement. The three subdials – one for the continually running second-hand and two for the chronograph’s elapsed-time counters – are positioned at 6, 9 and 12 o’clock respectively. A set of anthracite-grey ruthenium-coloured hands that clearly contrast with the midnightblack background and the chronograph’s elapsed-seconds hand counterweighted and culminates in a red tip guarantee absolute readability. The date window is located at 4:30. Via the sapphire crystal caseback, viewers can appreciate the movement of the automatic mechanical Calibre MB 4810/507, equipped with an integrated chronograph function, ticking at a steady pace of 28,800 semi-oscillations per hour (4 Hz), while the chronograph’s elapsed-second hand advances in eighth-of-a-second increments – the exact measurement of brief intervals. The strap’s inlay is made of black “Vulcarbone” cautchouc which gives the wristband extreme strength and flexibility. Breakage-resistant twine in a colour that matches the leather’s hue is used to sew the cowhide to the upper surface of the rubber “soul”. A laborious process textures the leather and simultaneously impregnates it with a treatment that doesn’t merely coat the leather, but conjoins with it and increases its structural strength – this innovative leather treatment leads to high-performance material with special shielding properties providing extra protection for the leather against abrasion, water, and fire. “The Spirit of Meisterstück” Exhibition will be held from the 15th to the 19th of October 2014 at Oval Atrium, Podium Level 1, ifc mall, Central, Hong Kong. Montblanc cordially invites connoisseurs, collectors and fans of prestigious lifestyle to visit the exhibition to appreciate the highest level of European craftsmanship via the Montblanc experience. 6 _________________________________________________________________________________ Montblanc “The Spirit of Meisterstück” Craftsmanship Exhibition at ifc mall Media Enquiry: Constance Chu / Connie Fung Richemont Asia Pacific Ltd - Montblanc Tel: 2918 2471 / 2918 2425 Email: constance.chu@montblanc.com.hk / connie.fung@montblanc.com.hk Media Enquiry: Helena Hui / Jackie Liu Trinity International Limited Tel: 9534 0813 / 3583 3300 Email: helena@3trinity.hk / jackie@3trinity.hk 7 _________________________________________________________________________________ Montblanc “The Spirit of Meisterstück” Craftsmanship Exhibition at ifc mall